The South Side Community Art Center is celebrating it’s 75th anniversary. In 75 years it has nurtured and preserved Black artists and their work in Chicago. The SSCAC’s newest exhibition, Bridging Generations: Strong Men Getting Stronger presents the works of three Black male artists spanning the generations from baby boomer to millennial. The featured artists include: Keith Conner, Oscar Lester, and B Ra-El Ali. The exhibition upholds the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenges and controversy.”
Upon entering the exhibit, one is flooded with color and context. The fact that these three artists represent three different generations of Black men is translated in the artwork itself. Homage is being paid to Blackness through the stroke of a paint brush, swipe of charcoal and the click of a mouse. If you have an opportunity, make your way over to the SSAC at 3831 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653 to see this amazing work. The artist’s talk is scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2016, at 2 p.m. Check out some pictures below.